Description
This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, hearty, slow-cooked tomato sauce loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs. Let it simmer all day in your slow cooker for a flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or red wine (optional, for desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat to the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or wine if using.
- Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- You can make this vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg